From September 2024 eligible working families assigned to overseas locations were able to access 15 hours of funded childcare for their 9 month to 3 year old child(ren) in line with entitlement in England. This is provided through Defence Children Services (DCS) settings. Where there is no DCS provider or if DCS are unable to meet the requirements of the family, Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA) can be applied for and used at a childcare provider that is registered, regulated and inspected by the host nation.

From September 2025 eligible working families can receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months old to school age. 

Defence remains committed to enabling access to appropriate, enriching, and safe childcare for the children of Service families. 

There is a commitment to look at the ‘offer’ that is in place throughout the UK and overseas. This piece of work will consider the totality of the offer, not just in relation to childcare, and may not result in any changes.

FIND OUT MORE: https://dcs.school/2024/08/13/based-overseas-with-young-children-find-out-if-you-can-benefit-from-an-expansion-to-funded-childcare/ 

                               https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families/ 

For questions relating to Early Years childcare funding overseas, email: [email protected]